Ferdinand Finds Balance

Publishing October 20th, 2026 | Hardcover | 32 pages

If he lets the fear of new experiences hold him back, he might miss the chance to discover activities he truly enjoys.

Ferdinand is excited to celebrate his birthday with all his friends by doing something he’s never done before: yoga! But as soon as he steps onto the mat, he starts to feel nervous. What if he can’t do the poses? What if he tips over and everyone laughs? Yoga is supposed to be calming, yet his mind won’t stop worrying. With guidance and a little patience, Ferdinand slowly finds his balance, both on the mat and in his thoughts.

Ferdinand Finds Balance is an uplifting story about being brave, embracing friendship, and learning not to let worries keep you from trying something new. Inspired by yoga, a practice that began long ago in India, this story also gently shows how moving your body can help you feel more connected to your thoughts and feelings. Drawing on personal experience, author Julie Coen hopes that this book provides comfort, confidence, and reassurance to children navigating their emotions.

About the Author

Julie Coen has wanted to write a children’s book for as long as she can remember. As a lifelong animal lover with a career in animal care, she knew her personal and professional experiences would shape her story. During her time as a zookeeper, she cared for a goat named Ferdinand and formed a special bond with him unlike any she had experienced with another animal. The comfort he provided her and the joy he brought to everyone he met helped inspire this book.

Julie lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her sweet dog, Sugar, who has been by her side through each step of the writing process. In her free time, she enjoys skiing and spending summers on Cape Cod with her friends and family. She also likes finding new ways to express her creativity, such as crafting, drawing, or recreating social media trends with Sugar. She looks forward to group exercise classes each week, including yoga with the occasional goat in attendance!

About the Author

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